Santa Barbara News-Press: February 15, 2023

New electric personal patrol vehicle

Buellton company creates Positron 72Volt Elite - A2

Nikki Haley to run for White House

Former governor and U.N. ambassador to seek presidency - A3

Alleged murder accomplice identified

By NEIL HARTSTEIN

NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

When former District Attorney Joyce Dudley announced last December that defendant Igor Ortiz had pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of a Santa Barbara restaurant worker, she said he committed the crime with the help of an accomplice. The identity of that accomplice was not revealed at that time.

But the News-Press has learned

District attorney’s office reveals that Angel Rafael Barajas Flores Jr., 35, is being charged

that Mr. Ortiz’s alleged accomplice is Angel Rafael Barajas Flores Jr., 35.

Like Mr. Ortiz, Mr. Flores was charged with murder for allegedly killing Alberto Torres on June 1, 2019 just yards from the victim’s home on the 1300 block of Cacique Street after he walked there following his shift at a downtown Santa Barbara restaurant.

Like his co-defendant, Mr. Flores pleaded not guilty, but unlike Mr. Ortiz, he hasn’t changed his mind and now faces a

murder trial.

“He is set for a trial readiness conference on March 15,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Tate McAllister told the News-Press.

Mr. Ortiz, 22, was sentenced Feb. 8 to 25 years to life in state prison for the murder. As part of his agreement to plead guilty, he admitted he committed the murder as part of his association with a street gang.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, Mr. Ortiz also admitted that he used a knife in

the commission of the murder and committed the premeditated murder in association with members of the Westside criminal street gang for the benefit of the Westside gang.

Prosecutors said the homicide occurred during the early morning hours of June 1, 2019.

“Just yards from his home, Mr. Torres was attacked by Mr. Ortiz and an accomplice,” prosecutors said in their Dec. 28 news release.

“During the attack, Mr. Ortiz and his accomplice repeatedly stabbed

Mr. Torres, killing him.”

The murder charge against both defendants includes a special circumstance that they intentionally killed Mr. Torres “while the defendant was an active participant in Westside (Santa Barbara), a criminal street gang, and that the murder was carried out to further the activities of the criminal street gang.”

A second special circumstance alleges the two defendants intentionally killed him “while

Passionate about water

lying in wait.”

Special allegations against both defendants contend they “personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon(s), to wit: a knife.” and that they engaged in “street terrorism,” prosecutors said.

Two additional felony counts charge both defendants with criminal street gang activity and street terrorism.

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

De La Guerra Plaza update given

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/U.S. SENATE

Sen. Dianne Feinstein

Feinstein

won’t seek re-election

(The Center Square) —

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, will not seek reelection next year.

Sen. Feinstein, 89, announced the news on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon.

“I am announcing today I will not run for reelection in 2024 but intend to accomplish as much for California as I can through the end of next year when my term ends,” Sen. Feinstein tweeted. “Even with a divided Congress, we can still pass bills that will improve lives.”

Had Sen. Feinstein sought reelection, she would have been challenged by multiple Democrats.

U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, D-Orange County, and U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, have both announced runs for the position.

Under California’s jungle primary system, Sen. Feinstein could have faced another Democratic candidate in the general election had she run for re-election. Every candidate runs in a single jungle primary, and the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the general election.

Sen. Feinstein defeated thenState Sen. Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, in her 2018 re-election bid. Sen. Feinstein got 54.2% of the vote, while Sen. de Leon got 45.8%.

Progressives in the Democratic Party have also expressed frustration with her opposition to the Green New Deal and for not embracing Medicare-for-All.

Sen. Feinstein was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992 and is currently the Senate’s oldest active member.

By DAVE MASON NEWS-PRESS MANAGING EDITOR

UCSB graduate Matthew Mishory is telling the story of two Holocaust survivors’ contribution to global water conservation efforts in “Who Are the Marcuses?”

Mr. Mishory wrote and directed the documentary, which had its world premiere Monday as part of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

The film, which includes footage from Israel and its Negev Desert and city of Haifa, will screen again at 3 p.m. today at Metro 4, 618 State St. A reception will follow, and editor Marc Cohen and cinematographer Michael Marius Pessah will join

Mr. Mishory at the screening.

The movie is about Holocaust refugees Lottie and Howard Marcus, a Long Island couple who gave a half-billion-dollar gift to Ben-Gurion University in Israel for its water conservation work.

Mr. and Mrs. Marcus died in the mid-2010s at the ages of 104 and 95, respectively. But Mr. Mishory talked to Ellen Marcus, their daughter, about them as well as various experts including sources in Israel.

“Water scarcity technology and research — that was Howard and Lottie’s passion,” Mr. Mishory told the News-Press Tuesday.

He said the couple first learned about water scarcity issues in the 1990s. “Howard became quite convinced that the next world

war could be fought over water if something wasn’t done about this crisis.”

Mr. Mishory, who earned his bachelor’s in film in 2004 at UCSB, said Mr. Marcus was impressed with the progress Israel had made in dealing with water scarcity.

“At some point, he became convinced that Israel had solutions to water problems, not only in its region but all around the world,” said Mr. Mishory, a Jewish filmmaker and West Hollywood resident born in Santa Monica, where he operates his office.

Mr. Mishory, who has dual U.S. and Israeli citizenship, said Mr. Marcus recognized that water conservation isn’t just a matter

of survival. Mr. Marcus realized sharing water conservation knowledge could contribute to world peace.

Mr. Mishory explained water conservation is a stool with three legs.

“One leg is education, conservation, recognizing scarcity and the importance of weather,” he said.

“The second component is reused water,” Mr. Mishory said.

“In the United States, we use 5% of our waste water. Israel reuses 95%. Reuse is something we could be doing right away.”

“The third leg of the stool is various technological advancements,” he continued.

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

A redesigned De La Guerra Plaza will include a bubbler water fountain for children, a stage, informal seating, selfcleaning bathrooms, cooling trees, and a more open and inviting entrance to City Hall. And no traffic.

Brad Hess, the city’s principal project manager, and Leif McCay, principal at RRM Design Group, presented an update on the De La Guerra Revitalization Project to the Santa Barbara City Council on Tuesday, and the council responded with a positive thumbs-up to how design plans are proceeding.

Under the proposal, the plaza’s current lawn would be replaced with a hardscape.

Council members ended the presentation by authorizing Public Works Director Clifford M. Maurer to execute an agreement to pay $865,088 to RRM Design Group for continued architectural and design services.

The council also amended an agreement with Ann Kale Associates in the amount of $65,599 for lighting design.

Councilmember Kristen Sneddon voiced the most enthusiasm for the plaza design plans, especially the responsiveness of RRM to community and business input, and the respect shown for Santa Barbara’s history by including Chumash representation on the Plaza Advisory Committee while giving a nod to Old Spanish Days.

“We’re honing the historic

SB City Council members respond positively to design plans

UCSB graduate tells about Holocaust survivors’ contribution to conservation in ‘Who Are the Marcuses?’

COURTESY PHOTO

Wearing the Brown Films cap, Matthew Mishory directs filming of “Who Are the Marcuses?” in Haifa, Israel.

Buellton company creates electric personal patrol vehicle

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Trikke Professional Mobility, headquartered in Buellton, has announced the new Positron 72Volt Elite.

This is an electric all-wheel drive personal patrol vehicle that is designed to help police officers cover ground more efficiently without breaking a sweat.

Trikke Professional Mobility was founded in 2000 by Gildo Beleski.

“Mr. Beleski is the engineer and designer of the three wheel cambering mechanism, which he designed from a fitness standpoint in Brazil,” Cheyne Jetton of corporate sales for Trikke told the News-Press.

“The tight switchback hills of

Brazil gave him the inspiration for the movable arms in the mechanism. Mr. Beleski applied for his first patent in 1999 and received his first patents in 2001 and 2002.”

The original version was the body-powered version, which was featured on the cover of Time magazine. It began picking up traction in the early 2000s.

“Today we primarily serve law enforcement security. We launched the 48 Volt defender in 2015 and the 72 Volt Elite in January of 2021. These vehicles can go 45 mph-plus,” said Mr. Jetton. “Additionally these vehicles are essentially an all-terrain vehicle which can navigate grassy areas, down stairs, up and down escalators, in elevators and more.

“The vehicles are ADA-

compliant and can be used indoors as well,” Mr. Jetton said. “We are used in some of the largest police departments and university police departments across the U,S,, as well as private security. Trikke vehicles are also in use in Puerto Rico, Europe, South America and the UAE.”

Trikke personal patrol vehicles provide a mounted solution to effectively patrol a large area, at less environmental impact and operational cost than driving an automobile, with an added capability for transporting cargo and supplies.

“All models 2015 and after were specifically designed and marketed for law enforcement and military application,” Mr. Jetton said. “Prior to 2015, these vehicles were not specifically designed for this application,

but were sometimes used by law enforcement. You have to think of these vehicles as being used to increase patrol area. Now fewer officers can cover a larger area, decreasing response time. These vehicles are able to navigate crowded areas, where a car would not be able to.”

The vehicles are designed to increase constricted-area access and empower officers to better connect with their community, while saving money and increasing operational efficiency over foot patrol.

“These vehicles are much more comfortable for officers as opposed to sitting on a bike with a duty belt and full vest package,” Mr. Jetton said. “Additionally, they can tow trailers, and there is a firefighting version that has

been developed. The technology is heading in a direction where batteries get better and better ...”

“The vehicles were designed to track straight,” he said. “The front wheel is a puller, and the rear wheels are pushers. It’s very stable.”

“This is a new way people are accepting. Segway did us a huge favor by opening the door to this possibility,” Mr. Jetton said. “Our customers are requesting additions such as GPS tracking and bluetooth. Norfolk Police Department in Virginia has bought every version that we have come out with, they have over 20 vehicles that they use. They continue to come back and they want what is new. We are branching into industries that we have never anticipated.”

Atlanta Police Chief Rodney

Bryant praised the new vehicle. “You can easily navigate through crowds to respond to an incident. Your imagination is the only limit to what these vehicles can do,”

The News-Press asked Mr. Jetton which local or state law enforcement agencies have implemented the technology.

“The biggest one is Bay Area Rapid Transit. They have 18 vehicles including the 72Volt Elite. We also have customers down in Los Angeles. Local law enforcement has been hesitant.”

“There is really a future for this,” Mr. Jetton said. “People will figure out new applications for this. We will continue to produce new versions, and I think that there will be completely different versions in just a year’s time.” email: kzehnder@newspress.com

Police arrest man on suspicion of murder in child’s death

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Santa Barbara police have arrested a Santa Barbara man on suspicion of murder in the death of a 3-year-old child.

“Based upon the investigation into this heinous crime, the suspect was identified as Elvis Alberto Lopez … the boyfriend of the victim’s mother,” police Lt. Kasi

Corbett said.

On Feb. 4 at 1:33 p.m., the Santa Barbara Police Department Combined Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call reporting a medical emergency.

The initial report was that a 3-year-old girl had fallen out of bed injuring herself, police said.

Santa Barbara City Fire and American Medical Response personnel were attending to the

child, performing CPR when the police arrived. The child was transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.

Santa Barbara Police detectives with the assistance of the Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Office investigated the death. Based on the evidence gathered, the case was categorized as a homicide.

On Feb. 11, an arrest warrant

Special soccer event

was authored and signed by a judge for the arrest of Mr. Lopez, 24, on suspicion of murder. He was contacted later at his family’s residence by Santa Barbara Police Department detectives and taken into custody without incident. He was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail on $3 million bail. email: nhartsteinnewspress@gmail. com

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About 60 children from four Santa Barbara elementary schools gathered Monday for a special soccer day. The teachers and staff at Monroe Elementary, Cleveland Elementary, Harding University Partnership School and Adelante Charter School hosted a lunchtime soccer event for students. The students from the four schools were sorted into teams to meet each other and build camaraderie. The idea was inspired by Monroe Principal Brian Naughton, who wanted to build community and sportsmanship through soccer. The schools want to plan more meetups and feature other sports.

Operations continue at Goleta Beach County Park

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Beach nourishment operations are expected to continue at Goleta Beach County Park until the end of March.

There will be a temporary pause in truck hauling starting today, with hauling tentatively resuming by Monday.

Truck hauling has been paused temporarily while sediment at the source locations is excavated, stockpiled and sorted to be inspected for beach compatibility. During the temporary pause in

work, the Goleta park’s west end will remain closed. The material in this area is unstable and walking through the work site could lead to an injury, according to a news release from the county. On Feb. 9, the Santa Barbara County Community Services Department/Parks Division partially reopened Goleta Beach County Park to the public.

Parking, barbecue grills, beach access and restrooms will be open from sunrise to sunset in the area between the park entrance and pier.

The parking lot at the far east

end and the pier will remain closed due to damage sustained during the January storms. While some repairs are under way and assessments of the pier are ongoing, it is anticipated to be several weeks before the east parking lot and pier can reopen safely.

The park’s west end will remain closed due to ongoing emergency beach operations. Work in this area will continue next week, Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Santa Barbara County officials say park visitors should be

aware of large trucks entering and exiting the park and keep away from the operation area. The material in this area is unstable, and walking through the work site could lead to an injury. People traveling on the Obern Trail Path (Atascadero Creek Trail) are advised to stay on the trail for going through the park only. The county also advises them to use caution when traveling through the park due to operations near the park entrance.

email: kzehnder@newspress.com

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COURTESY PHOTOS

Atlanta Police Major Brian Schiffbauer, left, and Al Robinson, president of Central Atlanta Progress stand next to Positron 72Volt Elite vehicles, designed by Buellton-based Trikke Professional Mobility. The Positron 72Volt Elite vehicle, right, can go on any terrain and travel 45 mph-plus.

COURTESY PHOTO

Nikki Haley announces White House bid

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE SENIOR REPORTER

(The Center Square) — Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor and presidential Cabinet member, is running for president.

Ms. Haley, 51, served as ambassador to the United Nations during the Trump administration.

In a Tuesday morning video posted to Twitter, she announced her plans — a shift from her previous stance that she would not challenge former President Donald Trump in 2024.

Mr. Trump, 76, announced his candidacy in November, shortly after the midterm elections.

President Joe Biden, 80, has said he will seek re-election. With 20-plus months until Election Day, they are the only three candidates.

Other GOP candidates being talked about include former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina.

“The railroad tracks divided the town by race. I was the proud daughter of Indian immigrants — not black, not white. I was different,” Ms. Haley said to

start a video announcing her candidacy. “But my mom would always say, ‘Your job is not to focus on the differences, but the similarities,’ and my parents reminded me and my siblings every day how blessed we were to live in America.”

If elected, Ms. Haley would be America’s first woman president as well as the first of Indian descent.

The kickoff video focuses on the themes of race, foreign threats and a “new generation of leadership.”

Ms. Haley is expected to officially kick off her campaign in Charleston, S.C. Her website lists an 11 a.m. event on Wednesday in The Shed at The Charleston Visitor Center.

“Some people look at America and see vulnerability,” Ms. Haley said in the video. “The socialist left sees an opportunity to rewrite history. China and Russia are on the march. They all think we can be bullied, kicked around. You should know this about me: I don’t put up with bullies. And when you kick back, it hurts them more if you’re wearing heels.”

Casey Harper works at The Center Square’s Washington, D.C., bureau.

President Biden takes fire as food, shelter and gas get more expensive

By CASEY HARPER THE CENTER SQUARE SENIOR REPORTER

(The Center Square) — The federal government released its latest inflation data Tuesday, drawing fresh fire for President Joe Biden as the cost of living continues to rise.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its Consumer Price Index showing a 0.5% increase in January, part of a 6.4% increase over the last year. This was a larger increase than in December, when prices rose only 0.1%.

Notably, shelter, food and gas costs have risen significantly.

“The index for shelter was by far the largest contributor to the monthly all items increase, accounting for nearly half of the monthly all items increase, with the indexes for food, gasoline, and natural gas also contributing,” BLS said.

Shelter costs rose 0.7% in January and 7.9% in the last year, according to BLS.

Prices have now gone up 14.4% since President Biden

took office.

“This past month saw acrossthe-board increases in shelter, food, and energy costs,” said Sen. Katie Boyd Britt, R-Ala. “Alabama families, retirees, and small businesses are being crushed at every turn.”

The energy index rose 2% in January with a 2.4% increase in gasoline.

As The Center Square previously reported, food and energy costs have risen faster than the overall trends, with food costs increasing 10.1% in the last year and energy costs rising 8.7%.

Food costs rose 0.5% in January. Democrats and some experts argue inflation is cooling, pointing out that these increases are smaller than the higher spikes when inflation growth was at its peak earlier in the Biden administration.

“Democrats continue to assert that inflation under Biden is going down,” said Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo. “Do they understand that Americans don’t get the thousands of

dollars back that they spent as a result of their peak 9% inflation? Americans are financially worse off under Biden.”

President Biden pointed to the 6.4% annual increase, which has dropped significantly from last year.

“Today’s data shows annual inflation falling for seven months, real wages for working Americans up over that time, and food and gas prices down – getting breathing room to families,” President Biden said.

“All while unemployment stayed at its lowest level since 1969 and job growth remained resilient.”

As the need for a debt ceiling deal grows, Republicans point to the latest inflation increase as a reason to cut down on federal spending.

“House Republicans’ first step to fighting inflation is to put a stop to the wasteful Washington spending that has robbed workers of two months’ pay and jeopardized America’s long-term fiscal health,” said Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo. “With

the ongoing negotiations over the debt ceiling, President Biden and congressional Democrats have an opportunity to come to the table and work with Republicans to find common-sense solutions to root out wasteful spending that is fueling inflation.”

The Federal Reserve is expected to continue raising rates this year to combat higher prices.

“Markets were warned that the inflation report could indicate that still higher rent prices, coupled with gasoline prices that had edged higher last month would underscore the Fed’s message that more work was needed to tackle inflation,” said Quincy Krosby, chief global strategist at LPL Financial. “The futures market understood the Fed’s message and added another rate hike for 2023, with March and May Fed meetings announcing rate hikes.”

Casey Harper works at The Center Square’s Washington, D.C., bureau.

Bill introduced to fast track housing when California cities fall short of goals

By RIA ROEBUCK JOSEPH THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) — Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener — along with advocates for high density affordable housing for low- and middleincome communities — has announced a new bill to ensure the construction of mixedincome housing developments.

“It only makes sense to do more of what works,” Sen. Wiener said Monday as he spoke about the bill.

Senate Bill 423 proposes to permanently extend the provisions of SB 35, which fast tracked infill housing in cities that failed to meet their housing goals as set out in their housing elements.

Using a process called ministerial approval, SB 35 eliminated the need for lengthy environmental impact studies for compliance with California Environmental Quality Act and removed discretionary permits. The bill, passed in 2017 and also introduced by Sen. Wiener, bypassed control of locally elected officials requiring local governments to approve projects if a city failed to build enough affordable housing as mandated by the state. The San Francisco Planning Department reported that approvals for housing development have been reduced to four months from as

much as three years since AB 35 went into effect.

Several cities in California require a local vote by residents to approve new developments in the cities where they live. If, however, the city does not keep pace with housing needs, SB 35 could take effect.

In San Francisco, about 3,000 housing units have been built by developers who invoked the law when San Francisco fell short of meeting housing targets.

“You know SB 35 and other streamlined laws, the purpose is, the way the housing system is set up in California, that even if someone comes forward, whether a nonprofit builder or a for profit builder, and says, ‘I want to build a building that is exactly — complies with your rules — I just want to follow all your rules and build (it in a way to) comply with all your rules,’ in California, what we say is that’s not good enough,”

Sen. Wiener explained at the news conference. “Even though you’re following every single rule, you still have to go through this discretionary process where your project could be killed or cut in half or delayed for years, even though you’re complying with all the rules. All this bill says is that you have to, if someone follows all the rules that have been set out, they get their permit.”

The director of public policy for the Inner City Law Center, Hahdi Manji, emphasizing his support for the bill, stated, “There are 150,000 homeless people in California, 50,000 in L.A. County alone, 1.2 million rent burdened households throughout the state of California, 500,000 in L.A. County.”

SB 423 is supported by the carpenters union, who prebuilt modules that were later erected at the site. The bill includes requirements to pay appropriate wages, provide health care benefits, protect construction workers and employ apprentices.

Sen.Wiener tweeted “SB 35 expires at the end of 2025. This new legislation removes that expiration date. In addition to various technical changes to improve the bill’s application, it also makes changes to ensure it accelerates both below market rate & mixed income housing creation.” According to the senator it has streamlined 12,000 homes statewide with approximately 3,000 homes in San Francisco alone. About 75% of them are below market rate.

The California Housing Consortium, the California Conference of Carpenters, Inner City Law Center, Local Initiative Support Corp. (San Diego) and California YIMBY, co-sponsors of the bill joined

Sen. Wiener at the news conference to announce the bill.

“SB 35 has led to the development of thousands of subsidized affordable homes across California – along with good jobs for construction workers,” said Brian Hanlon, CEO of California YIMBY. “By expanding its provisions to create stronger incentives for mixed-income housing, we’ll give builders the certainty they need to ramp up construction of housing for all Californians, while creating a pathway to grow our state’s pool of skilled homebuilders.”

California Yimby, in a released statement noted SB 423 allows permit streamlining for both 100% subsidized affordable housing, and mixedincome housing that sets aside units for lower-income residents. In the five years since SB 35 went into effect, its streamlined process has led to the streamlined approval of over 11,000 new homes, most of them subsidized homes affordable to low-income households.”

“California needs all of its best tools to meet our aggressive & essential housing goals. We must not let one of our most effective streamlining laws lapse as we work to build 2.5 million new homes over the next 8 years,” Sen. Wiener tweeted.

COURTESY PHOTO Nikki Haley

The city of Santa Barbara plans to give De

Plaza

the De La Guerra Revitalization Project, which would replace the plaza’s lawn with a hardscape and add a bubbler water fountain for children and cooling trees. Plans call for preventing vehicles from going into the plaza, with deliveries possibly being allowed at certain times on State Street.

PLAZA

Continued from Page A1

elements of the plaza,” she said.

“We don’t want to turn it into a playground.”

She also praised the fact that members of the Historic Landmarks Commission have participated, as opposed to waiting until the project design is finished before presenting it to that body for review. The HLC is the governing body for this project.

“It’s been a really collaborative process,” Councilmember Sneddon said. “The engagement on this has been impressive.”

Perhaps the biggest change to the plaza is that it would be closed to traffic in favor of creating a public, pedestrian space, with a bubbler fountain for children to play in, a stage for small performances and casual seating.

A proposed structure adjacent to the city parking lot between the plaza and City Hall has been the focus of much discussion, Mr. Hess said.

Restrooms in the public space would be fitted with disinfectant jets that would spray all surfaces down frequently, although that won’t completely eliminate the need for janitorial services.

And an Art Subcommittee has been formed to solicit and select artists to create public art to be implemented into the project.

“It’s a very talented and diverse group,” Mr. Hess said.

Public art will be included in three areas of the project, the

Central Chumash area, small mosaic medallions scattered throughout the project area, and in the family seating area, he said.

Both Mayor Randy Rowse and Councilmember Eric Friedman voiced some reservations about closing the plaza to traffic, questioning how businesses fronting De La Guerra and State Street would be able receive deliveries.

Mr. Hess said provisions would be made for vehicle loading and unloading in nearby spots and possibly on State Street before 9 or 10 a.m.

He stressed that it was the unanimous opinion of the Advisory Committee that the redesigned plaza would be strictly a pedestrian-only space.

In response to other concerns, Mr. Hess said the bubbler fountain could be turned off when desired to create a more usable space, especially for community events.

The most important thing, Mayor Rowse said, is that the plaza remain as flexible, open and programmable as possible.

Mr. Hess said the project’s designers are very close to submitting their plans, with final approval expected in the fall and construction to begin about a year from now.

“It’s been a steady march forward these past four years,” he said. “But in spite of the time taken to get here, there’s more work ahead of us than behind us.”

email: nhartsteinnewspress@ gmail.com

LAFOND, Suzanne Charlotte

June 25, 1931 - February 07, 2023

Suzanne Charlotte Lafond, who has died aged 91, was a trailblazer from a family of trailblazers. She accomplished much in her long life and bequeaths to her descendants and her many friends both her exceptional example and her gift of inspiration.

A native of Montréal, Québec, Canada, Suzanne, born June 25, 1931, was une Canadienne francaise to her core. Her rst forebear to reach orth America, from the Saumurois, France, was married in Montréal in 1618; and together with her brother Pierre, Suzanne and he were the rst in their family to learn nglish uently and the rst to emigrate to the nited States.

This Suzanne did in 1954, after she had married ashville native ermit C. Stengel, Jr. at otre Dame des eiges in her hometown. Together they raised three sons who survive her: Marc . Stengel Terry ; Christian S. Stengel Charlotte ; and ric L. Stengel Christine . She is survived as well by seven granddaughters: Mary Bentley Donald Clay ; Morgan Stengel; Sara Stengel; oe Stengel; aia Stengel; August Stengel; and Marie Stengel; by two great-granddaughters, Lily Bentley and Cameron Bentley; and by three nieces and a nephew in California, Lise L. Dienhard ary ; David Lafond im ; Michelle Lafond Brian O Connor ; and Denise Lafond.

After 27 years of marriage, Suzanne divorced in 1981. Whereas her joy until that time had been her devotion to raising a family that had by now own from the nest, in her mid- fties she embarked upon a second life of sorts - one full of personal achievement and adventure. Although her entrepreneurial initiation took place in 1969 with her founding in ashville of an athletic and leisure clothing line Tennis Fashions by Suzanne, her blossoming in the 1980s included careers as a radio DJ in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles; production assistant to Julia Child for the T series Dinner at Julia s ; French-language interpreter and organizing committee member for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles; voice, lm and video actor in numerous radio and television commercials, documentaries and corporate productions; and founder and director from 1998 to 2008 of the ashville Chapter of Dress for Success, a not-for-pro t entity through which she provided free job counseling and appropriate business attire for women seeking to take that rst step onto the career ladder.

n 1997, Suzanne was selected The World s reatest ranny by the Washington State ranny Smith Apple rowers Association; and in 2003 she was named an Athena Award recipient by ashville Cable, the city s leading networking organization for women in business and community service. Overarching all of these accomplishments - and many more besides - was one devotion which governed Suzanne s life since childhood: her Catholic Faith. Among the most important religious things, she wrote in her 2013 memoir Peach Cobbler Stories, is the virtue of Charity. First toward od, but also toward one s self and one s neighbor. t is a lifelong practice we must never give up.

Suzanne died peacefully on February 7, 2023, from complications related to a series of falls and progressive dementia. She was preceded in death by her father, Léonard Rodolphe Lafond and her mother, Léa Moquin Lafond; her brother, Pierre Lafond; and her erstwhile husband ermit C. Stengel, Jr. A

Lottie and Howard Marcus were among the first investors in Berkshire Hathaway and built a fortune. After their death, a half billion dollars of their money went to Ben-Gurion University in Israel.

SBIFF

Continued from Page A1

Mr. Mishory noted drip irrigation, which was invented in Israel, uses less water than the flood irrigation widely used in the U.S. “Israel is leading desalination technology,” Mr. Mishory said. He predicted improvements in technology will continue. “Waste water is going to be turned into

drinkable water in our lifetime.”

Mr. Mishory said Ellen Marcus convinced her parents, who made their fortune as one of the first investors in Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, to give their money to a good cause upon their death instead of to her. In 2016, the half-billion dollars went to Ben Gurion University.

“Her parents were Holocaust escapees who came to the United States, initially to New York, then San Diego,” Mr. Mishory said.

“They were introduced to Warren Buffett.”

Known for his own philanthropy, Mr. Buffett is interviewed in the documentary.

“I’m told by some journalists that it might be the most extensive interview Mr. Buffett has ever done,” Mr. Mishory said.

Others interviewed for the documentary include Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog.

The documentary meant a lot to Mr. Mishory. “My

grandparents (Yehuda and Rivka Mishory) were around for the founding of Israel and lived through those waterscarce years. I had a personal connection with the story.” He said the next five or six film festivals are booked for “Who Are the Marcuses?” After that, he said, the film will go on a streaming service, but which one hasn’t been decided.

email: dmason@newspress.com

DIAZ, Sally

June 19,1929 - February 5, 2023

Devoted mother, grandmother, friend, and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish worker, Sally Diaz, graciously passed away in Santa Barbara, CA on February 5th 2023. She was dedicated to helping others and truly displayed the fruit of kindness and generosity.

During her time serving the parish, Sally Diaz also served as a foster mother to youth in need of homes. Her smile was a ray of light. Sally shared 40 years of Marriage with Charlie Diaz and was the proud mother of Anthony Diaz, Joseph Diaz, and Marylou Diaz. She is survived by her two children, Joeseph and Marylou Diaz, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held at Welch-Ryce Haider Funeral home, with a viewing scheduled for Thursday, February 16th, from 2-5PM and a Rosary at 7:00PM. The funeral service mass will be at Our Lady of Sorrows Church on Friday, February 17th, at 10:00AM.

DAVE MASON /NEWS-PRESS

la Guerra

a new look under

COURTESY PHOTOS

Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog is among the people interviewed in “Who Are the Marcuses”?

By MARILYNMCMAHON

‘Classic Car Sundays” kicked off Jan. 29 and will be held the last Sunday of every month through 2023 at Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards, the family-owned

Life theArts

CALENDAR

‘Classic Car Sundays’

Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyard setting for monthly event

winery with a long history in Santa Barbara County.

Situated along the pastoral Foxen Canyon Road in Santa Ynez Valley, Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards — a filming site for the classic cars in “The Fablemans” — draws visitors to the 700-plusacre property to taste wines while enjoying stunning views of vineyards and the San Rafael

Mountains.

During the last Sunday of each month, Zaca Mesa invites classic car collectors and enthusiasts to take advantage of the scenery by making the short drive to the winery for “Classic Car Sundays.”

Guests can book a reservation on the Zaca Mesa website for wine tasting on the terrace, where they can sample wine from the Zaca

Mesa and/or TREAD labels.

Rather than parking in the main parking lot behind the winery, Zaca Mesa will be offering special VIP parking for the classic cars near the terrace and grenache blanc vineyard, so visitors can admire the cars, walk around and take photos in between tastings. Larger group bookings and customized tasting packages are available by contacting the tasting room in advance.

“We are always inviting people to Zaca Mesa for events, not only to drink our exceptional wines, but to appreciate the people, the history and the atmosphere here on the vineyard.

‘Classic Car Sundays’ is just part of that,” said Stewart Cushman, president.

“Because we are often asked if car groups can park at the winery, we decided not only to say yes, but also invite the owners to park where everyone tasting can admire their wheels, especially since I appreciate seeing a cool, classic car myself.

“While Zaca Mesa ensures each visit is a memorable one, the winery also knows the ‘full Zaca Mesa experience’ starts well before stepping foot onto the property. Recognizing that the journey is an important part of the destination, we want guests to make the most of the 10-mile drive to the winery from Los Olivos or Los Alamos, or a 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara or Pismo Beach, as it is inarguably one of

the most picturesque drives in the region and one that classic car owners will undoubtedly appreciate.”

He noted that Zaca Mesa has long been involved in the classic car community, from hosting early 1900s Pierce Arrow cars for its annual meet and hosting the media launch of Honda’s 2023 CR-V Hybrid, to serving as the location for a 2022 Maserati photo shoot and for the filming of 1950s vintage cars for Steven Spielberg’s “The Fablemans.”

“ ‘Classic Car Sundays’ is just another way the winery wants to support and celebrate the classic car communities of the Central Coast and beyond, inviting individuals and groups to take a beautiful Sunday drive to the Santa Ynez Valley for exceptionally made wine, where families, dogs and picnics are also welcome,” said Mr. Cushman.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards is a family-owned and operated estate winery with a long-standing history in Santa Barbara County. As the first vineyard to plant syrah in the area in 1978, Zaca Mesa helped pioneer the Santa Barbara rhône movement through an unwavering dedication to syrah and viognier.

“Throughout its

Zaca

WARNER BROS. PICTURES

Austin Butler, who was nominated for an Oscar for the title role of “Elvis,” will be among the actors receiving the Virtuosos Award tonight at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The awards program will start at 8 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St.

The calendar appears Mondays through Saturdays in the “Life & the Arts” section. Items are welcome. Please email them a full week before the event to Managing Editor Dave Mason at dmason@newspress.com.

TODAY

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival continues daily through Feb. 18. See sbiff.org for the schedule.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Entangled: Responding to Environmental Crisis,” runs through March 25 at the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art. The museum is open from 10 a.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. It’s closed on Sundays and college holidays. For more information, call 805565-6162 or visit westmont.edu/ museum.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Interlopings: Colors in the Warp and Weft of Ecological Entanglements” is an exhibit that runs through March 12 at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The exhibit features weavings dyed with pigments from non-native plants on Santa Cruz Island. The weavings were created by artists Helen Svensson and Lisa Jevbratt. For more information, see sbbotanicgarden.org.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Coast artist and London native Annie Hoffman’s exhibit “Seeing Ourselves in Colour” will be displayed through Feb. 28 at Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. For more information, visit anniehoffmann.com.

10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. “The Search for the Modern West,” an exhibit, continues through Feb. 20 at Sullivan Goss: An American Gallery, 11 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. For more information, see sullivangoss.com or call the gallery at 805-730-1460. Noon to 5 p.m. “Clarence Mattei: Portrait of a Community” is on view now through May at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, which is located in downtown Santa Barbara at 136 E. De la Guerra St. Admission is free. Hours are currently from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and from noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays. For more information, visit www.sbhistorical. org.

7:30 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Company will perform “Selling Kabul” at the New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, The play is about an Afghan man hiding from the Taliban in his sister’s home in Kabul. Tickets cost $40 to $84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805-965-5400.

FEB. 16

7 p.m. “The River Bride,” the story of folklore, love, regret and two sisters who struggle to be true to each other and their hearts will be presented by PCPA (Pacific Conservatory Theatre) from Feb. 16 through March 5 in Santa Maria. The play is being performed at the Severson Theatre at Allan Hancock College, 870 S. Bradley Road. Curtain rises at 7 p.m. Feb. 16-18, 1:30 p.m. Feb. 19 and 22, 10 a.m. Feb. 23, 7 p.m. Feb. 24, 1:30 and 7 p.m. Feb. 25, and 1:30 p.m. Feb. 26. Tickets are $49. To purchase, visit www.pcpa.org or call the box office at 805-922-8313. 7:30 p.m. Ensemble Theatre

Managing Editor Dave Mason dmason@newspress.com

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2023

NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

COURTESY PHOTOS

The Pierce-Arrow Society brings its early 20th-century cars to Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards for its annual meet. During the last Sunday of each month, the Santa Ynez Valley site is inviting owners of classic cars to visit the winery.

COURTESY PHOTO

“Graceland,” Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Lobero Live announces concert lineup

By DAVE MASON

MANAGING EDITOR

Lobero Live has announced its concerts for the rest of February and through April at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara.

• 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21: The Lobero Theatre Foundation 150th Ovation Celebration will present American singer-songwriter Jack Johnson. His eighth studio album and first full-length release in five years, “Meet The Moonlight (2022)” was recorded both in Los Angeles and Hawaii. The concert will feature special guest Zach Gill. See www. lobero.org/events/jack-johnson.

• 8 p.m. March 2: Lobero

LIVE presents Ladysmith Black Mambazo, an a cappella group that blends indigenous Zulu songs and dances with South African isicathamiya. Paul Simon’s 1987 album “Graceland” introduced Ladysmith Black Mambazo to the world. See www.lobero.org/events/ ladysmith-black-mambazo-2.

• 7:30 p.m. March 3: Jazz at the Lobero Ovation Series presents Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

While traditional New Orleans jazz remains its core focus, the ensemble has evolved into a cross-pollinated ambassador for New Orleans, exploring original compositions, Afro-Cuban rhythms, R&B influences, and collaborating with artists beyond

the jazz spectrum. See www. lobero.org/events/preservationhall-jazz-band-2.

• 7:30 p.m. March 4: Community Arts Music Association of Santa Barbara and The Lobero Theatre Foundation present Los Romeros — The Romero Guitar Quartet. The Romeros’ repertoire of the classical guitar spans from the works of its earliest composers to today’s masters See www.lobero. org/events/cama-22-23-los-romeros.

• 7:30 p.m. March 10: Jazz at the Lobero Ovation Series presents Charles Lloyd 85th Birthday Celebration. NEA Jazz Master Charles Lloyd performs with pianist Jason Moran, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Brian Blade. This group will make its world premiere at the Lobero during the celebration of the theater’s 150th anniversary, which coincides with Mr. Lloyd’s birthday. See lobero.org/events/charleslloyd-85th-birthday-celebration.

• 6:52 p.m. March 18: Lobero

LIVE, KTYD and Pandaman present “Go To Hale: Quips & Clips: Six Decades of Music.”

In honor of the Lobero’s 150th anniversary, Quipster Hale Milgrim (former president and CEO of Capitol Records) and music lover Richard Salzberg (aka “Music Maniac”) are crafting a special program culled from their respective archives, showcasing live and rare concert clips from

a variety of iconic musicians. See www.lobero.org/events/go-to-halesix-decades-of-music.

• 2 and 6:30 p.m. March 19: Milt Larsen (the Santa Barbara resident who co-founded the Magic Castle in Hollywood), Terry Hill and Lobero LIVE present “It’s Magic! presents Lance Burton & Friends.” See www.lobero.org/ events/its-magic-2023/

• 7:30 p.m April 5: Lobero LIVE presents “An Evening with Colin Hay,” with special guest Lazlo Bane. Mr. Hay has had a prolific career, both as the lead singer/ principal songwriter for the Grammy-winning Men at Work, and a solo career that spans 25 years and 15 albums. This show will feature songs from his entire catalog, including latest releases, stories and rare accompaniment by his acoustic band. See www. lobero.org/events/an-evening-withcolin-hay.

• 7:30 p.m. April 8: Jazz at the Lobero Ovation Series presents The Derek Douget Band. The acclaimed saxophonist, who has performed with many acclaimed musicians in the New Orleans scene, will be joined on stage by Ashlin Parker (trumpet), Victor Atkins, (piano) and Jason Stewart (bass). See www.lobero.org/events/ spring-jazz-2023-derek-dougetquintet.

email: dmason@newspress.com

Experts to inspect children’s car seats

SANTA MARIA — Marian

Regional Medical Center is hosting a car seat safety check from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the hospital, 1400 E. Church St., Santa Maria. No appointment is necessary. In partnership with the California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara County SafeKids, Herencia Indigena and Cottage

Children’s Medical Center, child safety seat experts will inspect individual safety seats and explain proper installation.

Children under age 2 are required to ride in a rear-facing child seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds, or is 40 or more inches tall. Additionally, children need to use a booster seat until

they are 8 years old or 4 foot 9 inches tall. The car seat safety check will emphasize the importance of knowing the law and is designed to ensure all children riding in a car are properly secured, according to a news release.

— Dave Mason

Wellesley College professor to speak Thursday

By MARILYN MCMAHON NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Dr. Marjorie Agosin, professor of humanities and Spanish at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, will speak about “A Family Memoir Growing Up in Chile” during a Zoom presentation at 3 p.m. Thursday.

The event is sponsored by Taubman Endowed Symposia at UCSB. The Taubman Symposia is intended to enrich understanding of Jewish history and culture among students, faculty, and community members alike.

Dr. Agosin is a poet, a human rights activist, literary critic, interested in Jewish literature and human rights in the Americas,

For more information, visit taubman.ucsb.edu.

women writers of Latin America, migration, identity and ethnicity.

Among her many books are

“Dear Anne Frank: Poems” (1998);

“Invisible Dreamer: Memory, Judaism and Human Rights” (2015); “Home: An Imagined Landscape” (2016); “Miriam’s

Daughters: Jewish Latin American Women Poets” (2001); “Stitching

Resistance: Women, Creativity and the Fiber Arts” (2014); and “A Cross and A Star: Memoirs of a Jewish Girl in Chile” (2022).

Dr. Agosin has authored two

memoirs about her mother’s and father’s life during the turbulent years of 1938 to 1945. She will explore the process of writing about her family history and the voices that emerged as she explored her mother’s life growing up in the south of Chile in a community with five Jewish families and former SS Men. In her father’s memoir, “Always from somewhere else,” Dr. Agosin will explore issues of belonging and identity and what it is like to be a foreign minority co-existing in a Catholic society. This talk will present a meditation on memory and oblivion as well as the power of narrative as a path for truth. email: mmcmahon@newspress.com

Shelters seek homes for pets

Local animal shelters and their nonprofit partners are looking for homes for pets. For more information, go to these websites:

• Animal Services-Lompoc, countyofsb.org/phd/animal/home. sbc.

• Animal Shelter Assistance Program in Goleta, asapcats.org.

ASAP is kitty corner to Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

• Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter in Goleta, bunssb.org. BUNS is based at Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

• Companion Animal Placement

Assistance, lompoccapa.org and facebook.com/capaoflompoc.

CAPA works regularly with Animal Services-Lompoc.

• K-9 Placement & Assistance League, k-9pals.org. K-9 PALS works regularly with Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

• Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation, sbcanimalcare. org. (The foundation works regularly with the Santa Maria Animal Center.)

• Santa Barbara County Animal Services in Goleta: countyofsb.org/ phd/animal/home.sbc.

• Santa Barbara Humane (with

campuses in Goleta and Santa Maria), sbhumane.org.

• Santa Maria Animal Center, countyofsb.org/phd/animal/home. sbc. The center is part of Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

• Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society/DAWG in Buellton, syvhumane.org.

• Shadow’s Fund (a pet sanctuary in Lompoc), shadowsfund.org.

• Volunteers for Inter-Valley Animals in Lompoc: vivashelter. org.

— Dave Mason

CLASSICS

Continued from Page B1

CALENDAR

Continued from Page B1

Company will perform “Selling Kabul” at the New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, Tickets cost $40 to $84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805-965-5400.

FEB. 17

4 to 6 p.m. Flying Goat Cellars will host a reception for mosaic artist Kathleen McCabe-Martin at the cellars’ tasting room, 1520 E. Chestnut Court, Lompoc.

8 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Company will perform “Selling Kabul” at the New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, Tickets cost $40 to $84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805965-5400.

FEB. 18

7 to 9 p.m. The Nicole Lvoff Jazz Trio will perform at Crush Bar & Tap, 1129 A State St., Santa Barbara. There’s

traditional Old World winemaking practices with sustainable farming and innovative vineyard techniques, Zaca Mesa continues its legacy as a producer of high-quality California rhône-style wines while

no cover. For more information, go to crushbarsb.com.

8 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Company will perform “Selling Kabul” at the New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, Tickets cost $40 to $84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805965-5400.

Feb. 19

2 p.m. Ensemble Theatre Company will perform “Selling Kabul” at the New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara, Tickets cost $40 to $84. To purchase, go to etcsb.org or call 805965-5400.

4 p.m. The Takács Quartet will perform an all-Beethoven concert at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episocpal Church, 2901 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos.

Tickets cost $20 for general admission.

To purchase, go to smitv.org/syvconcert-series. Tickets for students are free. For more information, contact Linda Burrows at 805-705-0938 or syvconcerts@smitv.org.

7 p.m. Singers Ken Stacy and

exploring the unique qualities of pinot noir and chardonnay from Santa Barbara County through a new label: TREAD — dedicated to producing hand-crafted, sitedriven wines that reveal the diversity of the region.”

email: mmcmahon@newspress.com

Claire Khodara will perform at SOhO Restaurant and Music Club, 1221 State St., Suite 205, Santa Barbara. General admission costs $25 in advance and $30 cash on the day of the show. To purchase or get a dinner reservation, go to www.sohosb.com.

Feb. 21

7 p.m. Singer-songwriter Jack Johnson will perform at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara. For more information, go to lobero.org/events/jack-johnson.

March 9

7 p.m. Pianist Jerome Lowenthal, who served as a Music Academy of the West teaching artist for half a century, will perform a concert, “Lowenthal’s Legend,” at the academy’s Hahn Hall, 1070 Fairway Road, Montecito. Tickets are $55 for general admission and free for ages 7-17. To purchase, go to musicacademy.org to call the academy’s box office at 805-969-8787.

— Dave Mason

NEWS-PRESS

Introduced to the world by Paul Simon in his album

will perform March 2 at the Lobero.

Diversions

Thought for Today

HOROSCOPE

Horoscope.com

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

ARIES — You will be in an especially affectionate and loving mood today, Aries. Your romantic nature is heightened and your nurturing qualities are strong. You’re extra sensitive and receptive. You might find that you have no problem communicating your truest feelings to others.

Connect with those you feel especially close to, and enjoy an intimate evening.

TAURUS — Annoyances of daily life may rub you the wrong way today, Taurus. Other people’s strong opinions and odd quirks may be difficult to swallow and your fuse may be a bit shorter than usual. Emotions could also run high, and you may do battle with the feelings in your own heart.

GEMINI — Be open and honest about your feelings toward others today, Gemini. Your receptive nature should be ready. Take a break and let others come to you. Unexpected events may pop out of nowhere. Opportunities for new growth in love and romance are definitely at your fingertips as long as you’re ready to receive them.

CANCER — Your heart beats extra strong today, Cancer, but it may not seem like anyone knows it but you. You may feel like you aren’t really fitting in with the energy of the day. Don’t get down on yourself for it. Realize that not everything is going to go according to your plans. Let things come to you.

LEO — This is a fantastic day for you, Leo. Join close friends and share a night on the town and fine meal. This is a chance to begin a new cycle of romance. Reflect on past relationship problems, examine their causes, and toss them away so you can invite in a new, uplifting energy for the next cycle of romance.

Start a new relationship or strengthen the one you’re in.

VIRGO — Your warm, sensitive nature is perfectly suited to today’s aspects, Virgo. Your emotional energy is strongly tied to your heart, and you will find that there’s a longing to be close to others. Indulge in conversation with close friends and let your imagination run wild. Your creativity is especially piqued today, so start an art project

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

I continue a week of columns on finding effective opening leads, a tough area of the game. When you end up defending after your partner has bid a suit, to lead something else takes courage. (If your lead turns out badly, you’ll have a disgruntled partner.) Still, a defender must use his judgment.

Today’s West expected dummy to have good spade support and distribution — probably shortness in diamonds since North refused to play at 3NT. So West figured his side would get only one diamond trick — and might therefore need a trick or two in clubs.

DISGRUNTLED

So West led the deuce of clubs — and East was disgruntled before he even saw the dummy.

“If I’d bid clubs,” he asked, “would you have led a diamond?”

South regarded the lead with distaste. He played low from dummy, and East took the queen and returned the nine: jack, king, ace. South drew trumps, but when East won a heart trick, he cashed the ace of diamonds and led a third club. West’s ten won the setting trick, vindicating his good lead.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: Q 10

or write a song that inspires or perhaps changes the world.

LIBRA — You will enjoy a great deal of affection from others today, Libra. You radiate an air of love and beauty. Love will come in strong, erratic bursts and you should be on the alert to expect the unexpected. New people will pop out of the woodwork to share their feelings. All group activities are favored, and you’re sure to be the life of any party.

SCORPIO — Your heart may be especially sensitive today, Scorpio. You may feel a bit vulnerable. Your romantic nature is particularly strong, so treat yourself to a pampered evening, including a good meal with someone you love. All relationships with women will go smoothly now.

SAGITTARIUS — All aspects of love and romance will go especially well today, Sagittarius. You might take this opportunity to make a bold move toward the object of your affection. Go with an unconventional approach and move fearlessly. Your relationships will go well. Nurture your romantic side and communicate your feelings.

CAPRICORN — Your connection with others is especially strong today, Capricorn. You will enjoy an important nurturing role. Reconnect with your mother and let her know how you’re feeling. Curl up with loved ones tonight and surprise someone with a romantic gesture. Try something unconventional. Your feelings may be strong and erratic.

AQUARIUS — You might feel especially playful today, Aquarius. You can expect to feel a great deal of love and affection from others. Be aware that you will have a strong tendency to indulge in food and drink, so try to keep things in moderation. You may have an aversion to work and lack self-discipline. Overcome this by looking forward to intimate plans with someone tonight.

PISCES — The bizarre nature of the day may leave you feeling a bit bewildered, Pisces. Don’t sweat it. Focus on your romantic nature and incredibly nurturing heart. Use your instinctive healing abilities to care for a close friend in need. Today is an especially good day to connect with others and openly share your feelings.

SUDOKU

CODEWORD PUZZLE

10

5. Your partner opens one

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill in the grid so every row, every column and every 3-by-3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9. that means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box. Sudoku puzzles appear on the Diversions page Monday through Saturday.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers to previous CODEWORD

How to play Codeword

Codeword is a fun game with simple rules, and a great way to test your knowledge of the English language. Every number in the codeword grid is ‘code’ for a letter of the alphabet. Thus, the number 2 may correspond to the letter L, for instance. All puzzles come with a few letters to start. Your first move should be to enter these letters in the puzzle grid. If the letter S is in the box at the bottom of the page underneath the number 2, your first move should be to find all cells numbered 2 in the grid and enter the letter S. Cross the letter S off the list at the bottom of the grid. Remember that at the end you should have a different letter of the alphabet in each of the numbered boxes 1- 26, and a word in English in each of the horizontal and vertical runs on the codeword grid.

PUZZLE

diamond, you respond one heart and he bids two clubs. What do you say?

ANSWER: This situation is awkward. If you try two spades, all will be well if partner bids three hearts; you can bid four hearts. But if he bids 2NT or three clubs, you must guess whether to continue (and your two spades forced to game in theory).

For a chance to stop below game intelligently, bid 2NT.

“A camel is a horse designed by committee.”

— Alec Issigonis

Legal expert: Despite previous crime, campus shooter could possess a gun

By TOM GANTERT THE CENTER SQUARE MANAGING EDITOR

(The Center Square) — Amid calls from the teachers’ unions to enact tougher gun laws, what remains unclear about a Michigan State University gunman was whether he was legally in possession.

Public records document the criminal history of the suspected gunman, 43-year-old Anthony McRae. Lawmen say on Monday night he shot and killed three university students and wounded five others near East Lansing’s downtown before taking his own life while confronted by police miles from campus.

The Michigan Department of Corrections stated that Mr. McRae pleaded guilty to possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle and was sentenced in November 2019.

The Michigan Department of Corrections lists the law broken as 750.227C. Joe Simon, an Ann Arbor criminal defense lawyer with 35 years of experience, said a person convicted of 750.227C would not be barred from possession of a gun. Mr. Simon laid out his legal rationale in an email to The

Center Square.

Mr. Simon wrote, “If the shooter was convicted of Transporting a Loaded Firearm in a vehicle under MCL 750.227c, that is a ‘high court misdemeanor’ punishable by imprisonment for not more than two years or a fine of not more than $2,500.00, or both. High court misdemeanors in Michigan follow procedures associated with felonies, as they satisfy the definition of ‘felony’ under MCL 750.7 as an offense for which the offender, on conviction, may be punished by death, or by imprisonment in state prison. A high court misdemeanor can, in fact, carry state prison time as a possibility as it exceeds a one year maximum.”

Mr. Simon explained that particular definition of felony didn’t apply to Mr. McRae’s particular situation.

“However, the two ‘Felon in Possession’ statutes — one federal and one state, each have their own definition of ‘felony’ for the purposes of those laws. Under MCL 750.224f (9)(b), ‘felony’ means a violation of a law of this state, or of another state, or of the United States that is punishable

by imprisonment for four years or more, or an attempt to violate such a law. This would exclude a high court misdemeanor.”

Mr. Simon continued: “The federal statute, 18 USC 922(g) (1) states ‘It shall be unlawful for any person... (1) who has been convicted in any court of, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year ... to receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

However, 18 USC 921(a)(20)

(B) defines the term ‘crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year’ and does not include — ‘any state offense classified by the laws of the state as a misdemeanor and punishable by a term of imprisonment of two years or less.’ This would exclude a high court misdemeanor.”

Maurice Davis, a criminal defense attorney with the Davis Law Group, agreed with Mr. Simon’s analysis in an email sent to The Center Square.

Michigan State University and its Department of Public Safety did not return emails seeking comment.

McMorris Rodgers to hold fentanyl, energy field hearings near Mexican border

By JEREMY LOTT THE CENTER SQUARE MANAGING EDITOR

(The Center Square) — Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers is visiting America’s southern border, bringing a good chunk of Congress with her.

Rep. McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane, is the new chairwoman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, a large committee with many subcommittees.

Her office announced Tuesday that she would be visiting the Mexican border at McAllen, Texas, and holding “field hearings” Wednesday and Thursday in two other Texas towns.

The hearings will look at fentanyl proliferation in the U.S. and “the damage of President Biden shutting down American energy,” according to her office. The first field hearing, held in

Weslaco, Texas, on Wednesday afternoon, will be a meeting of the Joint Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee as well as the Health Committee.

It is titled “President Biden’s border crisis is a public health crisis” and will take place at the offices of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council.

The second field hearing, held in Midland, Texas, Thursday morning, will be a meeting of the Energy, Climate, And Grid Security Subcommittee.

It is titled “American energy expansion: Improving local economies and communities’ way of life” and will be held at the Bush Convention Center.

Both meetings will be streamed live on the Energy and Commerce Committee’s website.

This announcement comes a week after Rep. McMorris Rodgers live-streamed a response on Facebook to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union

address, as previously reported by The Center Square.

In that short broadcast, Rep. McMorris Rodgers declared herself “most disappointed” that the president didn’t make a bigger deal out of the necessity of tackling the proliferation of “fentanyl and fentanyl analogues.”

“We have a record amount of fentanyl coming across the border,” she said. “Spokane has become a crisis city when it comes to fentanyl. And I’m going to continue to lead the charge to get fentanyl off our streets, in Spokane and across this nation.”

She also criticized President Biden’s energy policies.

“I continue to hear the concerns about high gas prices, gas prices that are still stubbornly high,” she said, and laid the blame for much of that increase at the president’s feet.

“Gas was at $2.39 a gallon when President Biden was sworn into office,” she said.

RADIO FOR HERE FROM HERE

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The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Announces

WAITLISTS FOR ALL HOUSING AUTHORITY PROGRAMS WILL BE CLOSED MARCH 1, 2023 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2023

Applications will be available online at www. hacsb.org beginning May 1, 2023.

If you require a reasonable accommodation and/ or paper application, please contact our office at the number below.

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EL 1 DE MARZO DE 2023 HASTA EL 30 DE ABRIL DE 2023 SOLICITUDES PARA TODOS LOS PROGRAMAS DE VIVIENDA SERÁN INDISPONIBLES

Las solicitudes serán aceptadas por la página de web www.hacsb.org hasta el 1de mayo de 2023. Si usted o algún miembro de su familia es una persona con discapacidad y necesita un alojamiento específico y/o una aplicación de papel, por favor póngase en contacto con nuestra oficina.

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